It turns out, this isn't just a nice sentiment, but a deep spiritual truth, at least according to some fascinating Jewish texts.
The Sifrei Devarim, a collection of legal and ethical teachings on the Book of Deuteronomy, explores this very idea. It focuses on the phrase "together, the tribes of Israel" from Deuteronomy itself (Ibid.). The text asks: When exactly are the tribes of Israel "together?" The answer isn't just geographical. It's about unity of purpose. Only when they constitute one unified entity, rather than being fractured into many different factions, are they truly "together."
The text then brings a beautiful analogy from Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Imagine two ships, lashed together with strong braces and bars. On top of them, a magnificent building is constructed. As long as those ships remain bound together, that edifice stands tall and proud. But the moment the ships drift apart, the building crumbles.
Isn't that a powerful image?
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai argues that this is how it is with Israel. When they are united, when they do the will of God, their "heights are in the heavens," and God's "bond on earth endures," echoing the prophet Amos (Amos 9:6). But when division and discord take hold, that connection weakens.
The text doesn't stop there. It goes on to explore this idea of unity and recognition in other contexts. It cites Exodus 15:2: "This is my God and I will extol Him" (ve'anvehu). The Sifrei Devarim beautifully connects the word "ve'anvehu" – "I will extol Him" – to the Hebrew word "naveh," meaning "beautiful." The idea is that when we acknowledge God, He is "beautiful." And, the text surprisingly continues, even when we don't acknowledge Him, He still is beautiful.
It’s a complex idea, isn't it? Even when we falter, the potential for that beauty, that connection, remains.
The passage then references Isaiah 43:12: "And you are My witnesses, says the Lord, and I am God (Kel)." According to the Sifrei Devarim, this verse contains a profound reciprocal relationship. When you are My witnesses, then I am truly God, I manifest as Kel. But if you are not My witnesses, then I am not God – meaning, I do not manifest Myself as Kel.
This doesn't mean God ceases to exist, of course. It means that God's presence, God's power, is revealed in the world through our actions, through our witness.
Similarly, Psalm 123:1 says, "To You I have raised my eyes, Who dwells in Heaven." The text suggests a radical interpretation: If I raise my eyes to You, then You dwell in heaven. If not, then… well, you get the idea.
The Sifrei Devarim keeps returning to this central theme: "together, the tribes of Israel" are powerful only when they are one unified agudah – one bond – and not when they are fragmented into many different agudot – factions.
So, what does all this mean for us today? Perhaps it's a call to look beyond our differences, to find common ground, and to work together towards a shared vision. It's a reminder that our individual actions have a ripple effect, influencing not only our own lives, but also the way the Divine manifests in the world. It's a challenge, really, to consider how we can create more unity, more harmony, in our communities and in our own hearts. After all, when we are truly together, amazing things become possible.